Lake Holcombe School Board; New principal takes the reins at start of 2021-22
It came down to three candidates who the Board of Education thought could do the job of Lake Holcombe School principal, but only one fit the bill. After interviews were completed from a field of six candidates, the finalists were narrowed to three choices.
One candidate who is no stranger to the area, is Kirk Yudes, who is the band director at the Ladysmith School District, and has experience as the dean of students, summer school director and 21st Century Grant coordinator.
Also in the running, was Matt Dommer, the virtual education coordinator at Bloomer Elementary School, with additional experience as a fourth-grade teacher and a teacher leader at his school.
However, it was Chris Stalheim, the current assistant principal at Black River Falls High School, who caught the eye of the Lake Holcombe School Board. Stalheim has experience as a science teacher, educator effectiveness coach and technology integrator.
He was ultimately chosen to step into the principal position when current principal Mark Porter retires at the end of the 2020-21 school year (June 30). The hire of Stalheim was officially approved at the regular school board meeting April 26.
Members also approved the eSucceed Charter School agreement for another year, with Lake Holcombe belonging to the consortium, along with Cadott, Cornell, Gilman, New Auburn and Stanley-Boyd. Lake Holcombe does have a couple kids from the district attending the virtual platform.
“We’re going to make a more concerted effort to look at our students who are open enrolled out to other virtual charter schools in the state…and see if we can point them in that direction,” said district administrator Kurt Lindau.
The board also approved the renewal of the Northwest Area Health Insurance Cooperative, with a renewal rate that came in at 3 percent. The annual increase is $26,540, with roughly $23,000 as the district’s portion.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen 3 percent or less in my entire career,” said Lindau.
Members also acted on a 2 percent increase of hourly rates for the support staff, as well as a 2 percent increase of the base rate for the administrative support staff, and approved the 2021-23 spring sports co-op agreements with the Cornell School District.
In addition, the board acted on the hire of 21st Century Community Learning Center coordinator Kristine Hemenway for 2021-22, and of elementary teacher Karlie Antczak.
The board also accepted gifts to the district, in the amount of $49 from Eastbay Lodge, to the band program; $50 from Mandy and Bryon Swanson, to the after-school program; $998.53 from the Lake Holcombe Education Foundation (LHEF), to Kent Dorney, for waders and signs; $301.20 from the LHEF, to Angie Vacho, for classroom books; $100 from Beverly Gygi, in memory of Josephine Gygi, to the music department; and $500 from Lake Holcombe Sales & Service, $200 from Cookie’s Holcombe Inn, $100 from Hands On CDL Driving School LLC, $40 from Heart of the North Brewery/Colonial Nursery, $100 from Wright’s Pine Drive LLC, $100 from JM Screen Printing & More LLC, $500 from Joe Flater/Flater’s Resort, $100 from Matt Flater, $200 from the Jamar Company and $500, from Wolf Sawmill Inc., to the weight room project.
Members also accepted the resignation of Troy Story as assistant football coach.
In his report to the board, Lindau says the district is moving forward with sealcoating on the lower parking lot, as well as continued work to the boilers and replacement of the gym doors.
“That’s been on the list since I got here,” said Lindau of the gym doors.
He also mentioned that this spring, music concerts will be held, as well as an awards day, eighth-grade promotion and graduation. Porter says he is planning how to lay out where people will sit at the commencement ceremony, and will have graduates and board members on the stage.
Porter is also figuring out how seating for family, and those who may have trouble walking, will look, as well as presenters of scholarships. As of right now, health experts are recommending three feet between those who are frequently around each other.
“And our students have been,” said Porter.
During the meeting, the board also reorganized, with positions staying the same as before, with Brian Guthman as president; Matt Flater as vice president; Anneleise Willmarth as treasurer; and Debbi Readinger as clerk.
